Forward-Looking Leadership – Details, episodes & analysis

Rokhaya Mané (linkedin.com/in/rokhayamane/), a global talent acquisition advisor and leader with over 15 years of experience in talent acquisition and strategic HR, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com). Rokhaya shares what recruiters actually want to see in candidates today, from storytelling that clearly articulates value to evidence of agility, alignment, and future readiness. She explains how recruiters use LinkedIn and applicant tracking systems (ATS), and offers sharp advice on networking and outreach. For leaders, Rokhaya makes the case for lifelong learning as the top skill for navigating the future of work. She also unpacks the cost of values in leadership, as discussed on an episode of her podcast Rok On!. Recommended reading: “The Squiggly Career” by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis, “How to Find the Person Who Can Help You Get Ahead at Work” Ted Talk by Carla Harris, and “The Power of Vulnerability” Ted Talk by Brené Brown. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Chaz Cirame (linkedin.com/in/chazcirame, recruitbigfish.com), founder of Big Fish Recruiting, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) for a candid and practical conversation on job search strategy and networking. Chaz shares what he looks for in top candidates, especially humility and change-maker potential, and breaks down his top rules of networking, including authentic interest, co-elevation, long-term thinking, and follow-up. He explains how to approach executive search firms and trends in the DC social sector. Chaz discusses the return to office and spotlights trade associations and professional organizations as hidden career paths worth exploring. The episode covers actionable tips on resumes, cover letters, and how to handle applicant tracking systems without “beat the ATS” hype. Chaz also introduces his 5,000+ member community, Rules of Networking. Recommended Reading: “Designing Your Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Spencer Campbell (linkedin.com/in/spencer-campbell-impact, spencercampbelltalent.com), Founder and Principal Talent Agent of the Spencer Campbell Talent Agency, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) to discuss the modern job search. Spencer’s innovative business model involves acting as a talent agent for job seekers, providing advice, support, and representation to help them succeed in interviews and negotiations. Dan and Spencer discuss a program they're piloting called Heightened Impact, which combines high-quality coaching with expert talent representation to enhance value for job seekers. Spencer emphasizes the importance of networking and understanding one's value in the job search process, rather than focusing solely on polishing resumes. He criticizes conventional advice about job searching and highlights common mistakes job seekers make. Spencer and Dan also improvements to the hiring process, trends in the social sector career space and the potential impact of AI on the job market. Recommended Reading: “Hidden Potential” by Adam Grant, “Never Search Alone” by Phil Terry, “What Color is Your Parachute” by Richard Nelson Bolles, “How to Do Nothing” by Jenny Odell, and “The Good Enough Job” by Simone Stolzoff. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Matt Ley (linkedin.com/in/mattley), a senior consultant with the consulting firm Gapingvoid and author of the book "Manage Your Gaps: Reclaiming the Awesomeness of Management," joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) to discuss the importance of community in organizational culture, the role of managers as culture champions, the distinction between managing rock stars and rising stars, and the Fulfillment ROI concept. They unpack the value of one-on-one meetings and the impact of individual contributors on organizational success. Matt shares his insights on effective management practices from his management, coaching, and consulting experience. Recommended Reading: “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott, “The Career Design Map” by Dan Freehling, “The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety” by Timothy R. Clark, “The Fearless Organization” by Amy Edmondson, and “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

John Whitfield (linkedin.com/in/john-whitfield-73b47515), Head of Sustainable Business Europe at Acre, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) to discuss his views on impactful leadership, both in the sustainability space and for all leaders. John and Dan discuss the lessons John has learned about leadership as an American living and working in the oldest still-functioning capitalist society in the world, the Netherlands. John reveals the three key competencies that drive success as a Chief Sustainability Officer, including effective organizational change management skills. John describes the central task of leader development as know thyself and explains that the principles of coaching and Conscious Leadership most resonate with him. John and Dan then discuss the underexplored concept of followership and conclude with John’s top recommendations from the 42 books he has read in the past year. Recommended Reading: “The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership” by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Warner Klemp, “Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps” by Jennifer Garvey Berger, “How to Be an Adult in Relationships” by David Richo, and “The Myth of Normal” by Gabor Mate. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Lakeshia Ekeigwe (leaderthinking.com, linkedin.com/in/lakeshiaekeigwe), CEO and Founder of LeaderThinking Global LLC, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) to discuss modern leadership and the qualities and characteristics required for it. Lakeshia emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the responsibility of leaders to create a healthy workplace culture. She also highlights the need for leaders to share the vision with their teams and help them understand their value and contribution. Lakeshia also discusses the unique challenges that lawyers face in leadership, such as the focus on legal excellence rather than leadership excellence and the impact of malpractice fears on decision-making. Lakeisha shares insights into her own success as a coach and consultant, attributing it to her belief in her abilities, her understanding of her zone of genius, and her clarity on why people hire her. She also discusses the life-changing concepts of emotional intelligence and finding one's own zone of genius. Recommended Reading: "Coach Yourself to Success" by Talane Miedaner, “The Big Leap” by Gay Hendricks, and “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” by Jean Greaves and Travis Bradberry. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Dr. Jaime Goff (theempathicleader.net, drjaimegoff.com, jaime@theempathicleader.net) joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) to discuss her forthcoming book "Rewrite Your Leadership Story: Overcoming Anxiety and Insecurity to Fulfill Your Leadership Potential." Jaime and Dan explore the influence of her background in marriage and family therapy on her views of leadership and leadership development. Jaime believes that leadership is ultimately about relationships and that understanding human relationship dynamics is crucial for effective leadership. She emphasizes the importance of addressing deeper internal barriers and engaging in vertical development rather than just focusing on horizontal skill-building. Jaime and Dan also discuss the role of values and principles in leadership development, highlighting the importance of aligning values with actions and creating a culture that embraces and lives out those values. Recommended reading: “Immunity to Change” and “An Everyone Culture” by Robert Keegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey, “The Developing Mind” by Dan Siegel, and “The Elevated Leader” by Ryan Gottfredson. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Korinne Ellis (linkedin.com/in/korinne-ellis-maed-9b8b1837/) joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) to discuss the importance of intentional leadership and leading with a human-first approach in building a strong organizational culture. They cover underrated ways firms can grow employee engagement, changes in the workforce due to generational shifts, and the challenges and opportunities that come with these shifts. Korinne emphasizes the need for leaders to be open to change, develop a learning culture, and create a space where people from all backgrounds feel seen and heard. She also highlights the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in organizations and the role of intentionality and consistency in fostering these elements. Korinne shares her insights on spotting and growing promising rising talent, drawing inspiration from real-life situations and mentors, and building a personal brand based on mindset, values, and actions. Recommended reading: "Change Your Questions, Change Your Life” by Marilee Adams. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Stacey Fernandes (owlhub.com, linkedin.com/in/staceyfernandes1/), a highly experienced Chief Technology Officer and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech sector, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) to discuss her human-first leadership approach, which prioritizes the well-being and growth of individuals within an organization. Stacey emphasizes the importance of creating a work culture that values personal growth, collaboration, and innovation. She highlights the need for a coaching culture to support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Stacey shares her own experiences and offers advice for aspiring women technologists, including the importance of continuous learning, developing emotional intelligence, and finding a workplace culture that aligns with one's values. She also discusses the potential of AI in various industries, such as law enforcement, construction, healthcare, and organizational culture, while emphasizing the need for ethical considerations and inclusivity in AI development. Recommended reading: "People First Leadership" by Eduardo Braun, "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott, IAPP books on data privacy law for the EU and US, and “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.

Steve Baue (stevebaue.com, bauemg.com), CEO and owner of Wisconsin’s premier mental wellness/mental health benefit company, keynote speaker and executive coach, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) to discuss his unique approach to business and leadership. Steve emphasizes his focus on building high-quality companies that serve their clients, employees, and communities. He prioritizes employee happiness, aiming for them to be at least 51% happy with their work. Steve imagines the future of the mental health field, highlighting the potential impact of technology and increasing openness around mental health. He believes that in the future, mental health will be treated with the same urgency and importance as physical health. Steve prepares his organizations for change by investing in employee development and ensuring that they are ready to adapt to new challenges. He also emphasizes the importance of explaining the “why” behind tasks and decisions, as it helps to motivate and engage employees. Steve draws inspiration from various sources, including books, self-care practices, and hobbies such as woodworking and meditation. He believes that taking care of oneself is crucial for effective leadership. Recommended reading: “The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur” by Mike Michalowicz and “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek.